Goughan’s Berry Farm cited

Aroostook Republican Photo/Joshua Archer     Caribou Area Chamber of Commerce Board President Laurie Colton, second from the right, congratulates the owners of Caribou’s Business of the Year — Goughan’s Berry Farm. They are, from left, Kelly Michaud, Kristi Goughan and Katie Shannon.

By Joshua Archer
Staff Writer

    CARIBOU — Often praised as a destination business, Goughan’s Berry Farm was honored as Business of the Year at the Caribou Area Chamber of Commerce annual recognition dinner at the Caribou Inn and Convention Center last Thursday.

    “Not only is it a destination business, they keep improving. It’s a really nice place for a family to go, right here in Caribou, Maine,” Chamber of Commerce Director William Tasker said.
    Tasker often directs visitors to the area to stop by the family owned business and farm for a good time.
    “The business is generational and that to me is what it’s all about when one person starts it and the kids take over, expand it, and do an even better job. Boy, they’re having fun over at Goughan’s Berry Farm,” Tasker said.
    Owners Kristi Goughan, Kelly Michaud and Katie Shannon were on hand to accept the award.
    “We were really excited and very honored,” Goughan said. “All of us here work hard and really love what we do so it’s really nice to be recognized for that.”
    Goughan admitted there are still folks out there that don’t know much about the farm, but this award might be able to help. “Maybe if they see our name and see what we do, maybe we will have more people that’ll come out and enjoy the place,” Goughan said.
    This summer Goughan said the farm will work hard toward finishing an additional nine holes on their mini golf course giving families the opportunity to play a full 18-hole game.
    Mark and Gloria Goughan began the Fort Fairfield Road operation in 1976. The farm is home to multiple crops and seasonal events as well as an animal barn, a merry-go-round and homemade ice cream. Patrons of the Caribou business look forward to the farm’s annual corn maze, with a new design every year.

Aroostook Republican Photo/Joshua Archer     Thursdays on Sweden Committee members accepting the Community Revitalization Award from Caribou Area Chamber of Commerce Board  President Laurie Colton are, from left, Caribou Police Chief Michael Gahagan, Caribou City Manager Austin Bleess, and Superintendent of Parks and Recreation Gary Marquis.

Aroostook Republican Photo/Joshua Archer     Reno’s Family Restaurant owners Danny and Brenda Corriveau accept the Special Business Achievement Award presented by Caribou Area Chamber of Commerce Board  President Laurie Colton.

Aroostook Republican Photo/Joshua Archer     Caribou Chamber of Commerce Director William Tasker, along with Echoes Magazine Editor Kathryn Olmstead, center, and Assistant Editor Mary-Ann McHugh, who accepted the Community Spirit Award.

Aroostook Republican Photo/Joshua Archer     Reginald “Reggie” Thompson, a 45-year employee of the  Aroostook Republican & News, and newspaper sales representative Gayle Jackson accepted the Spirit of Aroostook Award presented by Caribou Area Chamber of Commerce Board  President Laurie Colton, right.